Council approves new solar farm near Fenelon Falls

Photo:Representatives from Evergreen and landowner, Stewart Coppins

KAWARTHA LAKES-Some might say City of Kawartha Lakes council has seen the sun light.

On Tuesday, councillors reversed a previous policy announcing the municipality as an “unwilling host” for so called “green energy” sources by approving a motion for a small solar farm on Northline Road near Fenelon Falls.

Evergreen Power Limited had been working on the project for two years and told council they had went above and beyond what staff had requested and surpassed current guidelines. “We’ve approached every single land owner and house owner that might be effected by this project and asked for feedback.” Tim Burke, Evergreen Power said. The only concerns expressed about the project according to Burke were that it not be visible to neighbours.  “It would be set back 1700 feet from the road with lots of space for good healthy visual screen” Which is more screening than required according to Burke and he said the company guarantees the screening would be there within 12 months and for 20 years after that it (the solar farm)will not be visible from the road”.

Councillor Stauble was against the motion saying ” The fact is we did deny a motion twice on this project”. Councillor Junkin was also against the motion. “This council has been consistent in not approving these big solar projects. It’s not in the best interest of the city”

But Councillor James supported the project saying. “When an organization or a group do exactly what we’ve asked, this can set a template for other projects” he said. “They bent over backwards.”

Burke told council the farm would employe approximately 20 people not including trades and they would provide $10,000 to a charity to benefit people who live in the area.

The three acres of land where the solar farm will be constructed is owned by Stewart Coppins who also spoke to council. He said the developers would live up to their obligations. “I wouldn’t want some gaudy thing on my property either”

Council voted 10-4 to approve the project. Coppins was a little surprised. “I’m relived that it’s going ahead and I hope everything goes well and everybody is satisfied”.

Burke said he was very happy. “I’m very grateful that councillors were willing to listen to us and i’m glad they gave us an opportunity to follow through on what we said.”